Garrett Lewis, the Fort Smith, Ark. CBS affiliate’s chief meteorologist for more than two decades, is stepping down. Why did Garrett Lewis leave KFSM?
As of Tuesday, March 30, Garrett Lewis had stated that he will be stepping down as the lead meteorologist for CBS affiliate KFSM-TV. His last day of predicting is expected to be on July 30.
His awards include the National Weather Association’s Seal of Approval and the American Meteorological Society’s Seal of Approval. Lewis joined 5NEWS in July 2001, and he is known for rolling his sleeves up while broadcasting during severe weather. Since graduating from Alma High School, Lewis has received a bachelor’s degree in geosciences from Mississippi State University as well as a master’s degree in applied meteorology from the Arkansas Associated Press.
Advocacy for children is a passion for 40-year-old Lewis, who serves on many boards, including those of the Benton County Advocacy Center and the Arkansas Board for Children’s Advocacy Centers. Both advocate for the protection of children and the treatment of children who have been sexually or physically assaulted.
“Our team at 5NEWS presents stories that reflect the pulse of our town and our shared humanity.” Since we started working together, this has been my favorite part. This is the thing I’ll miss the most about my time here. The KFSM team has made the world a better place by delivering timely, relevant news and weather to our viewers, Lewis wrote in a blog post. One of the greatest joys in my life was my time at 5NEWS. ” Nothing worthwhile is ever simple. What sets us apart from the rest is our willingness to take on the difficult tasks. Sincerely, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to sharing the end of my trip with you as Summer draws to a close.”
While Lewis has no intention of quitting his job or leaving the United States, he says he’s ready for a change and wants to spend more time with his family. Lewis and Ashley have two children, a son and a daughter.
The truth is, I’m not sure.” What’s next for Lewis? “I just needed a break,” he said when asked. “Being on call 24 hours a day is not easy,” he said later. Because of bad weather, we’ve had to cancel a lot of vacations.”
Changing expectations over the past two decades have contributed to the pressure felt by many workers today.. There has been an increase in demand for him to go on television more frequently during the week and to be more responsive via social media in the last few years. He and other KFSM meteorologists are able to keep the public better informed, but the amount of time required is “exhausting.”
However, Lewis stated that he is contemplating a variety of professional paths, but nothing is set in stone at this time. He stated that politics was not an option that was being considered.
Instead of making any decisions, he decided to sit tight and watch what transpired.
Her photographic career has “really surged,” Lewis said, and he’s eager to help her more.
We are grateful to Garrett Lewis for his 20 years of service to our 5NEWS team,” said Van Comer, president and general manager of KFSM. I am awed by his passion for reporting on extreme weather and his dedication to assisting our communities. In the following months, 5NEWS will join our viewers in commemorating Garrett’s long and distinguished career. We at 5NEWS are grateful for his service and wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on his next endeavor.
“Like many of you, 2020 gave me time to pause and reflect,” Lewis told viewers. “In late 2020, I approached 5news management and expressed my desire to transition out of television.”
Lewis said he was given many opportunities to change his mind, but “like weather, life is full of seasons. Sometimes it’s clear where one stops and another starts. Sometimes, not so much.”